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Preparation of Synaptoneurosomes from Mouse Cortex using a Discontinuous Percoll-Sucrose Density Gradient
Published on: September 17, 2011
Local protein synthesis and its role in synapse-specific plasticity
K C Martin1, M Barad, E R Kandel
1Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Brain Research Institute, Gonda Center, University of California, Los Angeles, 695 Charles Young Drive South, CA 90095-1761, USA. kcmartin@mednet.ucla.edu
Current Opinion in Neurobiology
|November 21, 2000
Summary
Synaptic plasticity relies on gene expression targeted to specific synapses. mRNA localization and local protein synthesis are key mechanisms enabling this precise control in neurons.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Long-lasting synaptic plasticity requires gene transcription.
- Synaptic plasticity occurs in a synapse-specific manner.
- Mechanisms for targeting gene products to specific synapses are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore mechanisms of synapse-specific gene expression.
- To investigate mRNA localization and local protein synthesis in neurons.
- To understand the cellular and molecular basis of RNA regulation in neurons.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies on synaptic plasticity.
- Analysis of research on mRNA localization in neurons.
- Examination of studies on local protein synthesis at synapses.
Main Results:
- mRNA localization and local protein synthesis are identified as key mechanisms for synapse-specific plasticity.
- Cellular and molecular mechanisms for RNA localization and translation in neurons are being elucidated.
- These neuronal mechanisms show similarities to those in asymmetric non-neuronal cells.
Conclusions:
- mRNA localization and local protein synthesis are crucial for synapse-specific, long-lasting synaptic plasticity.
- Further research is needed to fully delineate the mechanisms of RNA regulation in neurons.
- Neuronal RNA regulation mechanisms may share common principles with other cell types.
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